Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 1 (1:1-14)
Week 1
Day 1
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:1-14 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Make a list of all the words/phrases you see yourself being “In Christ, or “in Him,” etc.
- How does that make you feel about yourself?
- In what way(s) have you come to an understanding of God’s will for you?
- What do you observe in verses 4-8 to be your spiritual (or the Lord’s) blessings for your life?
- What kind of impression does this leave you with?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF for EPHESIANS Week 1, Day 1
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Week 1
Day 2
Praise (What are you thankful for Day 1 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:8-10 (The Mystery of God’s Will) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What comes to mind when you think of the word, mystery?
- After reading 1:8-10, look up the following references: 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, Ephesians 1:11, 2 Timothy 1:9 and Romans 8:29.
- What do you observe about God’s will (purpose/mystery) connected with Jesus Christ?
- What do you think you should do knowing that you, as a follower of Jesus, are a significant part of God’s will/purpose?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL
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Week 1
Day 3
Praise (What are you thankful for Day 2 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:8-10 (His Good Pleasure) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What comes to mind when you read the words, His good pleasure?
- What are some other words that could be used here for good pleasure?
- After reading 1:8-10, look up the following references: Ephesians 1:5, 7; 3:7, 11,16, 20; 4:7
- What do you observe about God’s good pleasure in theses verses?
- How does this make you feel knowing that His good pleasure is directed toward you, as a follower of Jesus?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 1
Day 4
Praise (What are you thankful for Day 3 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:8-10 (He Purposed in Christ) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What comes to mind when you read the words, He purposed in Christ?
- What are some other ways to phrase those words?
- After reading 1:8-10, look up the following reference: Colossians 3:1-12
- What do you observe about God’s purpose in Christ from these verses?
- How does this make you feel knowing that His purpose in Christ is directed toward you, as a follower of Jesus?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON GOD’S PURPOSE IN CHRIST
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 2 (1:3-14)
Week 2
Day 5
Praise (What are you thankful for your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:3 (United with Christ) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you personally to be united with Christ?
- What images do you see that bear witness to you being united with Christ: Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 2:20, 4:19; Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 13:5, 5:17.
- Go back and write down words and phrases that jump out at you.
- What are some other ways to phrase those words?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON BEING UNITED WITH CHRIST
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Week 2
Day 6
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 5 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:4 (United with God’s Love) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you personally to know and believe how much God loves you?
- Read Psalm 139 with this thought in mind: This is how God loves me…
- Reflect on the following references about God’s love: I John 4:7, 10, 16 and19.
- How do Ephesians 1:4 and these other verses make an impact on your self-worth?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON BEING UNITED WITH GOD’S LOVE
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Week 2
Day 7
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 6 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:5 (United in God’s Glorious Grace) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you personally to be bathed in God’s glorious grace?
- How does it feel to be “adopted” into God’s family?
- What has kept you from trusting and believing in God’s complete and total loving grace for you?
- How do the following references speak to you about God’s grace for you? Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON BEING UNITED IN GOD’S GLORIOUS GRACE
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Week 2
Day 8
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 7 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:7 (United in God’s Freedom from Original Sin) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you personally to be redeemed by God’s through the blood of Christ (from the cross and through His resurrection)?
- What is your understanding of original sin? (See Genesis 3 and Romans 5:12-21)
- What do you find that keeps you from loving unconditionally, like God loves you?
- To be sure you are truly free from original sin, come to a personal understanding and belief followed by prayerful action over the following sequence of scripture: Romans 3:10, 23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10,13.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON BEING UNITED IN GOD’S FREEDOM FROM ORIGINAL SIN
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Week 2
Day 9
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 8 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 1:13 (United with God’s Spirit) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Who is the Holy Spirit to you?
- What does it mean to you personally to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
- Examine the following references on the work of the Spirit in your life: John 14:26, 16:7-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2:10-11; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:17-20.
- What do you find that keeps you from leaning into the Spirit, tapping into His power?
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF ON BEING UNITED WITH GOD’S SPIRIT
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 3 (2:1-10)
Week 3
Day 10
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:1-3 (Dead to Sin) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be dead to sin?
- How has the world, Satan and your own “flesh” influenced you toward sinning?
- How have you come to grips with actually being born with a sin nature (ability to sin)?
- What do the following references say to you about being dead to sin? Romans 6:2, 11a; 7:4; 2 Timothy 2:11a; 1 Peter 2:24.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 3
Day 11
Praise (What are you thankful for from day 10 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:4-6 (Alive in Christ) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be alive in Christ?
- How do you see Christ’s resurrection coming into play here?
- What does it mean to you to have been saved and still being saved by our Lord? (v. 5)
- What do the following references say to you about being alive in Christ? Galatians 2:20, 5:24; Colossians 3:3; Romans 6:6, 7:6.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
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Week 3
Day 12
Praise (What are you thankful for from day 11 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:7-10 (God’s Grace) (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does verse 7 mean to you personally? What’s your reaction?
- What do you imagine Heaven to be like if everyone could boast about their salvation?
- What does the concept of grace mean to you?
- What sort of “workmanship” has God created you for? (Romans 12:3-8)
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 4 (2:11-22)
Week 4
Day 13
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:11-12, 14b, 16b (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What was your life like before you came to Christ for salvation?
- At the time, what was it that was more attractive to you than following Jesus?
- How have you felt if/when you’ve been rejected or excluded by others?
- What has been your experience in reaching out to the unlovely?
- What do you think the following references have to do with rejection? I Peter 2:4, 5:8; Isaiah 53:3; John 1:11.
- How do you want to live differently as a result of this devotional time?
PDF on Ephesians 2:11-12, 14b, 16b
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Week 4
Day 14
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 13 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:13-18 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you that Jesus was were sacrifice?
- What does it mean to you to be reconciled to Jesus Christ?
- In what way(s) does this reconciliation bring peace into your life?
- Examine the following references on being reconciled to God: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; Romans 5:10-11.
- How then should you live a life worthy of being part of God’s family?
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Week 4
Day 15
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 14 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 2:19-22 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- How do you see the cross and resurrection abolishing your need to be darn right before God?
- With Christ bringing unity back into our relationships with others, what do you see is your role in carrying out His mission of love and unity?
- Agree/disagree, why? “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, diversity. In all things, love.”
- Examine the following references on unity in the Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Acts 4:32; Galatians 3:28.
- How then can you play a role in the church being inclusive?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 5 (3:1-13)
Unfortunately there is not be a series of devotions for this week on Ephesians 3:1-13. So sorry for any inconvenience.
Thank you,
Jim Doyle
jim@northcoastcalvary.org
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 6 (3:14-21)
Week 6
Day 16
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 3:14-17 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does power mean to you?
- Have you ever felt like you could be a superhero to someone or for someone?
- How can you be sure that you have received God’s power in Christ?
- In what ways has the Lord strengthened you personally?\
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
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Week 6
Day 17
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 16 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 3:18-19 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does God’s power mean to you?
- Rewrite verse 18 in your own words according to how it impacts you.
- What does it mean to you personally to never exhaust God of His love for you?
- Look at these other references on the fullness of God (v.19): Colossians 1:19, 2:9; John 1:16; Ephesians 4:13; Romans 15:25.
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
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Week 6
Day 18
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 17 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 3:20-21 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to have God’s power working through you?
- In what way(s) have you experienced God’s love working through you to encourage others?
- In what way(s) do you feel you need more of God and His power in your life to encourage you to impact others?
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 7 (4:1-11)
Week 7
Day 19
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:1-3 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- In your own words, describe a life worthy of being a child of God/follower of Jesus. (v.1)
- Why do you suppose the Lord particularly included humility, gentleness, patience and graciousness in living out our callings? (v.2)
- What does the unity of the Spirit look like? (v.3)
- How can you be a contributor to peace in your family, workplace and church?
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
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Week 7
Day 20
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 19 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:4-6 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- In what way(s) do you see healthy doctrine uniting the church? (vs. 4-5)
- What is the unity in doctrine in the 7 areas of oneness found in verses (4-5)?
- One Body –
- One Spirit –
- One Hope –
- One Lord –
- One Faith –
- One Baptism –
- One God –
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
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Week 7
Day 21
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 20 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:7-11 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- When have you been blessed by the gift(s) of the Spirit through another follower of Jesus?
- Do you know how God has gifted you? Also, how have you been equipped by the church to serve Him best? (If you need help or have questions, please contact Pastor Jim Doyle at jim@northcoastcalvary.org.)
- In what way(s) do you see building up the body Christ, our church family, promoting maturity?
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 8 (4:17-32)
Week 8
Day 22
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:17-19 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What first came to your mind when you read these verses?
- Why do you suppose Paul used such strong language toward followers of Jesus?
- Why do you think your heart and mind tend to steer the ship of your life?
- Contrast your state of being when you’ve leaned into the Lord to when you found yourself experiencing apathy, maybe even depression.
- What is your big take away from this portion of Scripture today?
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Week 8
Day 22
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 22 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:20-24 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What did your old self look like?
- What do you want your new self to look like?
- Compare what you want with what Paul conveys in these verses about your new self.
- What is one key element of the New Self you desire to allow God to work on in your life?
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Week 8
Day 24
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 23 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 4:25-32 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Let’s continue reflecting on the New Self. Why do you think this is so vital to becoming more like Jesus?
- In what ways are the new self a blessing to others?
- Again, why do you think a “small” sin is just as damaging to your new self as a “big” sin?
- What small or maybe even big sin do you need to ask for forgiveness for in order to shed the old skin (self) and live more freely in your new skin (self)?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 9 (5:1-14)
Week 9
Day 25
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:1-2 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What first comes to your mind, when you read the words, follow God’s example (be imitators of God)?
- How do you feel about being named one of God’s children?
- What does that mean to you personally?
- What does it mean to you to follow Christ’s example? What is/are His example(s)?
- What does sacrifice look like in your life in order to be imitators of God?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 9
Day 26
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 25 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:3-5 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Let’s be honest, what, if any, sexual sins have you or do you find yourself struggling with? (Lust, porn, withholding sex from your spouse, living together sexually outside of marriage, etc.)
- Check out the following references: Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:18, 7:2-3; 2 Corinthians 12:21.
- Why do you suppose Paul expressed being faithful (to God and spouse) as a contrast to sexual sins?
- Over what have you had a tendency to be greedy to any degree? (Money, possessions, people, etc.)
- How do you think generosity consider the opposite of greed?
- Contrast course language to being thankful.
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 9
Day 27
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 26 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:6-7 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What, if any, habitual sin(s) do you find yourself committing?
- Ask the Lord to forgive you. Then, make an about face and strive to live purely.
- Think about God’s judgment toward followers of Jesus. What do you understand His judgment to be on this side of Heaven?
- What’s y
- What is your reaction to the following judgment of God for believers after death: (1) The Truth of God’s Word we know, (2) The opportunities God has given us, and (3) What we’ve done with our time, talents and giftedness.
- Read and reflect on John 15:1-5
- What is your understanding of God forgiveness?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 9
Day 28
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 27 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:8-14 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be a child of the light?
- Read Ephesians 4:22-24.
- What did your old self look like?
- What do you want your new self to look like?
- In what way(s) does Matthew 5:14-16 tie in here?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 10 (5:15-21)
Week 10
Day 29
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:15 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do the words, watch carefully, (or be very careful) mean to you?
- Describe how you should “live”?
- Do you feel you’re living up to this kind of standard of living that God is calling you to? Why, or why not?
- How do you understand godly wisdom comes into play here?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 10
Day 30
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 29 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:16-17 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- List some opportunities you jumped on to bless others.
- List some you feel you have skated around.
- Why is it that we want the opportunities to serve the Lord but skip over them, especially when they’re not convenient?
- How does forms of evil run interference?
- What do you believe God is telling you is the best use of your time, talents and resources?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 10
Day 30
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 29 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:18-21 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What does it mean to you to be filled with the Spirit?
- How often do you think you should be praying for His filling, His control over your life?
- In what ways are the following actions visible results to being Spirit-filled?
- Speaking, Singing, Thanking, Submitting
- In what ways are these same actions contributors to continuing being Spirit-filled?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 11 (5:22-6:9)
Week 11
Day 31
Praise (What are you thankful for from your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 5:22-29, 33 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Describe what you think healthy submitting looks like. (Also read Colossians 1:15-23; John 13:1-17)
- How would you apply this to wives?
- Describe what you think it mean to love another?
- Would you as a husband add anything else to love knowing that you are to love as Christ loved you? (Remember: He went to the cross for you)
- Put verses 26-27 into your own words so they have meaning for you.
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Day 32
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 31 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 6:1-4 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What do you think is the difference between obeying and honoring one’s parents?
- How do you think it’s possible to experience a long life, full of blessings if you honor your parents?
- In what ways to fathers have a tendency to exasperate their children?
- By contrast how should fathers be treating their children in the raising of them?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 11
Day 33
Praise (What are you thankful for from Day 32 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 6:5-9 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- In what ways do the words bondservant relate to employee today?
- How can an employee be the best light of Christ in his/her workplace?
- How can employers be the light of Christ in their place of business?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
Into The Mystery, Book of Ephesians Week 12 (6:10-20)
Week 12
Day 34
Praise (What are you thankful for your weekend with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 6:10-12 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- What kind of impact do the words, be strong with God’s might power have on you?
- What sort of strategies and tricks have you experienced or have fallen victim to from the devil?
- Why do you think the battle is against the unseen darkness in our world rather than people?
- Does the reality of our spiritual battle fill you with fear, wonder, confidence or any other emotion? Why do you suppose that is?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
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Week 12
Day 35
Praise (What are you thankful for Day 34 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 6:13-18 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- Look at the table (below). How is your armor? What do you need to strengthen and increase proficiency at?
- Identify the biggest battle waging war around you right now. Seek the Lord alone and with others to contend against it. REMEMBER THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S.
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?
Armor of God
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Week 12
Day 36
Praise (What are you thankful for Day 35 with the Lord?)
Read the text: Ephesians 6:18-20 (Jot down words that you want to reflect on)
- In what way(s) do you see the correlation between prayer and protection?
- What does the role of the Holy Spirit look like to you personally, especially as it pertains to putting on the full armor of God?
- What does it look like to you to be alert?
- Who are you praying for regarding the advance of the Good News of Jesus Christ?
- How are you going to live differently as a result of this study?